Suffolk Chess

With a full month of league chess behind us, perhaps it's time to review the state of affairs. Can we start making any predictions yet?

In Division 1, Ipswich B head the table with 7½ points. But they lost to second-placed Ipswich A, who have 7 points. Both Ipswich C and Bury St Edmunds A have a game in hand and 4 points in the bag. Manningtree split these teams with 5½ points. Only Sudbury have lost all three games, but have still scored 4 points.

So really, just like Obama-Romney, it's too close to call. A big win by Sudbury next week over Ipswich A could turn the table on its head. And tonight sees Bury St Edmunds A facing Ipswich C.

In Division 2, Saxmundham A have established a clear early lead. They have won both matches convincingly (4-0 and 3-1) and hold a 1½ point advantage over Bury St Edmunds C and Stowmarket A, who have both played an extra match.

Division 3 is incredibly close. Just 1½ points separate the top four teams, with Woodbridge School a further point behind but with a match in hand.

Predictions? Too difficult at such an early stage of the season. So let's leave that until the New Year!